November 2007 Readback

New Engine Technology
New York--based Xerion Avionix has received the go-ahead from the FAA for installation of its AuRACLE engine-management system into general aviation aircraft. The system operates with four- and six-cylinder engines and has a five-inch color screen that can be configured to display data including rpm, fuel flow, oil temperature and pressure, CHT, EGT, OAT, TIT, percentage of horsepower and much more.

"The FAA has allowed us to integrate a complete overview of up-to-the-second engine data with a state-of-the-art fuel computer," said Xerion's Eric Hathaway. "Now general aviation pilots can literally micromanage the aircraft's engine performance and fuel consumption with a single, intuitive, digital presentation."

The AuRACLE system is authorized for installation on the Beechcraft Bonanza A36, and Xerion is seeking retrofit STCs for all major aircraft types. More information is available at www.xerionavionix.com.

Top Rank
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University once again earned the top ranking in the category of Aerospace/Aeronautical/ Astronautical Engineering Program in the annual "America's Best Colleges" guide published by U.S. News & World Report magazine. "For the eighth year in a row, U.S. News has honored Embry-Riddle for outstanding achievement in aerospace engineering and in the overall undergraduate engineering category," said John P. Johnson, the university's president. "We're extremely proud of this accomplishment and think it's a reflection of Embry-Riddle's quality faculty, staff and students in our engineering departments and throughout the university." For more information, visit www.embryriddle.edu.

CubCrafters CEO
Todd Simmons has been named President and Chief Executive Officer at CubCrafters. He'll assume oversight of day-to-day operations and strategic management of the firm. "With today's announcement," said CubCrafters founder and owner Jim Richmond, "I can spend more time on R&D and product innovation." Visit www.cubcrafters.com.

Phoenix East Aviation
Phoenix East Aviation has added a six-week, FAA-approved Airline Dispatcher Course to the programs at its Daytona Beach, Fla., facility. Learn about meteorology, Federal Aviation Regulations, aircraft systems and performance, global navigation systems, communications, navigation, ATC, practical dispatching, flight planning and additional training required for FAA certification. Register at www.pea.com.

CAPT In China
Florida-based Commercial Airline Pilot Training Program (CAPT) received official notification from the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) granting approval for CAPT to train students to fly for airlines in China. "We're very honored to be recognized by the CAAC for our superior flight-training program," said CAPT Executive Director Patrick Murphy. "This is great for CAPT, but even greater that we will be able to help sustain the aviation industry for the future. With growth projections in China at more than 2,500 pilots needed per year for the next 15 years, the needs of the industry are staggering."

The first class of students is scheduled to begin in fall 2007. Aircraft utilized will be Cirrus SR20s and Piper PA44 Seminoles, both of which utilize a glass-panel cockpit similar to those found in commercial aircraft. For more information, visit www.captprogram.org and www.flighttrainingservices.com.

Young Eagles Soar
Elite Simulation Solutions donated a software package that was auctioned for $1,050 at the Gathering of Eagles fundraising event during EAA AirVenture 2007. The proceeds will be used to support the Young Eagles program. Find out more at www.flyelite.com.

Also during the Gathering of Eagles, The Sporty's Foundation made a $10,000 donation to the Young Eagles Program. "Young Eagles and The Sporty's Foundation share the vision of creating new pilots," said Sporty's owner Hal Shevers. "Young Eagles is a long-running, successful program, and we're an original supporter of it." For more information, visit www.sportysfoundation.org.

Telex Requests Return Of Stratus 50-D and Stratus 50 Digital ANR Aviation Headsets For Modification
Telex Communications has identified a potential issue with its Stratus 50-D and Stratus 50 Digital Active Noise Reduction Headsets, which results from incorrect insertion of the batteries in the headset's battery box. Owners of the headsets are asked to return the units for a no-charge internal modification to address the battery insertion issue. Instructions on how to best do this can be found at www.telex.com/aircraft/default.aspx or by calling the Telex Service Department at (800) 218-2410.

Interactive E-Learning
Jeppesen's Avionics Knowledge Library offers aviators a chance to "e-learn" about Garmin panel-mount GPS systems and Garmin and Lowrance handheld GPS systems. Key features include scenario-based, guided simulation; hands-on interactive learning; a realistic emulator; detailed, narrated demonstration movies; and progress tracking. For more information, contact Jeppesen at (800) 621-5377 or at www.flyelectronic.net.

An Affordable Air Data Test Set
The new MPS38B from DMA-Aero is an affordable and fully automatic unit for testing and calibrating avionic instruments, such as altimeters, rate-of-climb indicators and airspeed indicators. The 22-pound instrument features a 12-month calibration cycle and 24-month warranty. Additionally, the MPS38B offers RVSM-compliant accuracy with up to 30 test programs over ranges of 50,000-feet altitudes and 700-knot airspeeds. Other features include attitude offset correction and automatic leak testing. Learn more by contacting DMA-Aero at (203) 790-8371 or visit www.dma-aero.com.

See The Light
Avcomm International, maker of quality headsets and communications gear, recently partnered with FLITELite, maker of the NASA-researched FLITELite LED lights, to produce the latest in headset and lighting innovation to the aviation world. This is the first line of headsets with a built-in FLITELite that runs on intercom power, not on batteries. The light directly attaches to your headset and is activated by the touch of your lip. Avcomm has incorporated these simple, utility lights directly into the deluxe AC747, AC900 and AC910 general aviation and helicopter headsets. To learn more, contact Avcomm at (800) 845-7541 or visit our Website at www.avcomm.com.

All About WAAS
The release of Max Trescott's WAAS and GPS CD-ROM course is the first single, comprehensive source for WAAS information. Currently, WAAS-capable Garmin GPS units are shipping in huge volumes, but it hasn't been easy to learn how to fly these exciting new approaches. This course takes you step-by-step through flying approaches, starting with movies of actual approaches being flown followed by scenarios that let pilots practice entering an instrument procedure for flying an LPV, LNAV/VNAV or LNAV+V approach. Other extras include a WAAS FAQ, glossary and printable lists of every LPV and LNAV/VNAV approach in the country. Learn more by contacting Glass Cockpit Publishing at (800) 247-6553 or visit us at www.g1000book.com.

Brighten Up Your Cockpit
It seems that almost every airplane has at least one post light that never seems to work. Sporty's offers an easy and inexpensive solution with Suction Cup Instrument Lights. Stick the light onto the face of an instrument (airspeed, altimeter, tachometer, etc.) and turn it on. The mini-LED light illuminates the entire face of the instrument, without obstructing your view. These lights are also good for older eyes, and quickly light up dark corners of your panel. They're useful in an electrical emergency---a big improvement over sticking a flashlight in your mouth. Multiple lights can be used to light the entire panel if necessary. For more information, contact Sporty's at (800) SPORTYS or visit us at www.sportys.com.

Understanding Chart Basics
All pilots need to understand and interpret the three common aviation navigation charts. Virtual Nav Chart is a program that explains in depth the World Aeronautical Chart, the Sectional Chart and the Terminal Area Chart. This fully animated tutorial uses professional narration and three-dimensional graphics to aid understanding of all the aspects of VFR charts. The 90-minute, two-disc CD-ROM runs on Windows. For more, contact Sporty's at (800) SPORTYS or visit our Website at www.sportys.com.